Jun.16 (GMM) Alpine’s successful Monaco appeal is threatening to trigger a wave of fresh challenges from rival teams.
The controversy erupted after Pierre Gasly had two pitlane speeding penalties overturned after Formula One Management admitted that the distance used in its timing calculations had been measured incorrectly, making cars appear faster than they actually were.
Because Gasly had not served the penalties during the race, the sanctions could be cancelled retrospectively, restoring his podium finish and demoting Isack Hadjar from the rostrum.
Now, teams whose drivers actually served penalties during the race are exploring their options.
“We have to wait and see what McLaren and Red Bull Racing do,” Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer told Sky Deutschland.
“The background is that everyone is trying to understand how to manage the sport. We are trying to maintain consistency.
“Others have served their penalties, which is causing some unrest. Everyone is trying to avoid opening Pandora’s box.”
Bayer admits the issue has major implications in a tightly contested championship. “The impact on us is massive,” he insisted.
“Every place in the World Championship has a huge impact. The battle is incredibly intense. That’s why these topics are automatically very hot topics.”
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has already taken action.
“We have also contacted the FIA and requested a Right of Review,” he revealed. “To be honest, I’m not sure if that’s realistic, because that would open a Pandora’s box.”
Championship contender George Russell was among the drivers affected by Monaco penalties.
“I don’t think this position will stand up,” Wolff admitted, “but we have to do it for George.”
Red Bull is also understood to be contemplating its next move, with Hadjar already demoted from the podium. “We view this primarily as a matter of principle regarding the wellbeing of the sport,” said team boss Laurent Mekies.
“We want more clarity on how we deal with irrevocable penalties and how we arrive at the correct result at the end of the race.”
Referring to the timing system problem, he added: “No measurement system on Earth is perfect. We’ve been working with this methodology for many years now, and it was the same the day before, and on Friday, and in previous seasons.
“We all adapted to it, and 17 or 18 cars were able to meet the legal limits.”
Reportedly, the Monaco third-place trophy originally awarded to Hadjar has still not reached Alpine.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri said he was “mind-blown” that the FIA upheld Alpine’s appeal “knowing that probably five or six other” affected drivers would be affected.
F1 freely admits a “measurement discrepancy”.
“Like everyone in the sport we strive for the best results and, as always, any improvements or refinements that are identified as being required in light of this situation will be implemented,” it said in a statement.
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